37°
Brown issued an alert this week advising that his office has received multiple complaints about racist messages that were sent to Black residents, including some school-aged children and college-aged students, "causing significant distress."
"Without knowing or making any assumptions about the senders’ true intent," Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell said in a statement.
"This much remains clear: The timing of the messages, in the wake of a close presidential election that has stirred anxiety across the nation for months, only adds to the trepidation and fear experienced by young people whose phones are suddenly and unwantedly littered with these messages."
The AG noted that the messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign and "are horrific and unacceptable."
According to officials, there are several versions making the rounds, but each instructs the recipient to "board a bus" to be transported to a "plantation" to work as a slave.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a statement as there was a mounting number of reports of such messages being sent, citing Tuesday's election.
"The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes," he stated.
"These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday's election results."
Johnson added that "these actions are not normal ... And we refuse to let them be normalized.
"We've said it before and we'll say it again - there is no place for hate in a democracy," he stated.
"The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness."
In Maryland, moving forward, Brown and his office is encouraging anyone who receives the messages to report them to police so they can be tracked by the AG's Civil Rights Division.
Complaints can be logged with the Civil Rights Division here or with the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention.
"These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking you to please come forward and report it," Brown stated. "I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders.
"There is no home for hate in Maryland."
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Great Falls and receive free news updates.
